46 families rendered homeless as fire guts houses in Lagos

No fewer than 46 families were, weekend, rendered homeless and property worth millions of Naira destroyed, after fire gutted over seven houses in different locations in Lagos.

Five person injured during the stampede were reportedly being treated at undisclosed hospitals in Lagos.

This is just as men of the fire service were attacked by the angry mob at one of the scenes in Ikorodu area of the state.

Two of the affected houses are located on 25 and 27 Owoyemi Street, Amukoko. The fire, as gathered, started at about 8 pm,with conflicting reports on the cause.

While the Police said they were still investigating it, the Amukoko Vigilante commander, Mr Oguntade Sesan said it was caused by a power generating set.

According to Sesan, the fire started from 27, Owoyemi Street, adding: “The fire started from the generator set used by one of the tenants in 27, Owoyemi Street, and spread to the twin buildings. Occupants of the buildings who were just returning from their respective work places were shocked at the discovery.

“I was tired so I decided to relax only to hear a bang on my door. When I came out, I discovered that the building was covered by thick smoke. I managed to come out alive. As at now, I have only this shirt I am putting on. Everything I have laboured for since I started working is gone.”

Another occupant, Afa Basiri said: “I was shocked when I returned home to find the house on fire. I watched helplessly as all my property were burnt to ashes. But my joy is that I am alive.”

When Vanguard visited the scene, yesterday, the affected families were trying to salvage some of their valuables from the charred remains.

Fire service men attacked
A similar incident also occurred at Alhaji Ladega bus-stop in Ikorodu area of Lagos. In this case, fire service men said to have responded to the distress call were attacked by a mob who accused them of arriving late.

Contacted, the Lagos State Director of Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, expressed disappointment over the attack on his men, noting that they arrived the scene immediately they received the distress call.

He said expensive fire trucks were destroyed, including their equipment, adding, however, that those attacked had been discharged from the hospital.


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